****For Immediate Release***

May 30, 2020

An inmate of the Cattaraugus County Jail has recently tested positive for COVID-19. This individual has been completely asymptomatic (no fever, no cough, no shortness of breath or no body aches) and is doing well. He has been in isolation within the facility and has not been in direct contact with any other inmates since his arrival.

Given the global COVID-19 pandemic, this situation is not surprising and one that the department and the jail has been in preparation for. The procedures put in place over two months ago were instituted to ensure the health and safety of the staff and inmates should there be a case like this in the facility.

All staff and inmates will continue to follow all safety measures instituted for the facility:

Staff: 

• All staff undergo symptom and temperature checks upon entry for every shift.
• Social distancing is utilized when feasible throughout the facility.
• All staff are required to wear face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained.
• Increased cleaning and disinfection protocols are in use throughout the facility.

Inmates:

• Screened for symptoms and temperature at intake.
• Tested for COVID-19, remain in isolation, and are monitored for symptoms until they test negative.
• Enhanced isolation procedures are in place for any symptomatic inmate who tests positive.
• All inmates have masks available to wear and are encouraged to do so.

Any positive inmate is treated, monitored, and remains in isolation in accordance with state guidelines and in consultation with the Cattaraugus County Health Department.

Press Release COVID-19 Case in Jail